Senior City Planner: Shape Transportation & Housing Growth

CFS; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS in Southwest Michigan is seeking an experienced City Planner to lead and support comprehensive planning initiatives in a growing community. This onsite role emphasizes developing planning processes, policies, and collaboration with municipal leadership, developers, and residents.

The ideal candidate brings 8–10 years of progressive experience, including at least 5 years in direct planning, with strengths in transportation development, housing initiatives, land use, and community development.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of progressive professional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of direct professional planning experience.
• Experience with transportation planning/development and housing initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of land use, zoning, development review, and municipal processes.
• Hands-on involvement in planning processes, not just admin work.
• Leadership, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related field; advanced degree or certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage municipal planning initiatives, including land use, zoning, development review, comprehensive planning, and community development programs.
• Take a hands-on approach to planning processes and procedures, ensuring projects move from concept through review, approval, and implementation.
• Lead transportation planning and development initiatives, coordinating infrastructure needs and mobility improvements.
• Develop and support housing strategies addressing residential growth and redevelopment.
• Review development proposals, site plans, and zoning applications for compliance with regulations.
• Collaborate with city leadership, developers, engineers, consultants, residents, and organizations to advance planning objectives.
• Develop and present planning recommendations, reports, studies, and presentations to boards and leadership.
• Identify opportunities for economic development, redevelopment, and sustainable growth.
• Help establish and improve planning policies, procedures, standards, and long-term strategies.

Skills

Planning experience

Transportation planning

Housing initiatives

Land use planning

Municipal planning

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Communication

Public presentations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban/City Planning

Job description

CFS in Southwest Michigan is seeking an experienced City Planner to lead and support comprehensive planning initiatives in a growing community. This onsite role emphasizes developing planning processes, policies, and collaboration with municipal leadership, developers, and residents.

The ideal candidate brings 8–10 years of progressive experience, including at least 5 years in direct planning, with strengths in transportation development, housing initiatives, land use, and community development.